"Who are you? Are we enemies? Why am I on this wall? Where is Buttercup?"

Today's post is all about you. I would love to know who's out there on the other side of this screen, and that's why today, I'm extending a special invitation to any and all of my readers to comment -- especially if you've never commented before! Who are you? No pressure, of course, but really, I'd love to know. You don't need to tell me your real name, or whether you've read my book, or any of that garbage, unless you care to. Just tell me whatever you want -- maybe who you are, where you are, and, if you feel like it, an extra tidbit about you. Perhaps you, too, have a favorite favorite you'd like to share. Perhaps you have a question about cupcakes to pose to the world, or a suggestion for dinner. Hm. I'm hungry.

I'll go first. I'm Kristin. I'm a writer. I live in North Florida. I love brass quintets. And Johnny Depp notwithstanding, my favorite pirate is the Dread Pirate Roberts.

:o)

EDIT at 6:20pm EST: A friendly reminder to anyone reading this post on LiveJournal that I will not see your comments unless you leave them on my actual blogspot blog. :o)

Comments

Hi! I'm Beth and I've been reading your blog for awhile, ever since your book was mentioned on Bookshelves of Doom review site. I am an aspiring MG fantasy writer just starting to submit (although I've been writing for five years, and have submitted other manuscripts unsuccessfully before--so I'm not new to the biz, but I sorta am). I also run a blog: bethrevis.blogspot.com, so if you ever feel like doing an author interview or anything, feel free to drop me a line! And also: I've just sneaked a look at my husband's Christmas list and suspect that I'll be getting a copy of your book under my tree :)

i've actually met the Dread Pirate Roberts. tennis tourney in memphis, tn brings out the best :) he's as wonderful as you would imagine. i loved your book and have recommended it to several people and i'm looking forward to seeing what's going on w/ bitterblue. i run a tiny blog (www.geniusofthesickmind.com) and by tiny i mean 'importance to the world Level Two' (of five)

my favorite author is Diana Gabaldon and her Outlander Series. i've read them all at least five times. they are tomes. each of them. but that's me, i re-read books that make me feel safe and happy b/c i've fallen in love w/ the characters. david eddings, r.a. salvatore, maria snyder's poison series...just to name a few.

aaanyways, i'm an I.T. Specialist in Memphis living single w/ my dog Chili, black lab, in our cottage-esque home. i have a new niece lilly grace who is the joy of the world.

Hi Kristin,My name is Ana. I live in Rhode Island. I am a psychologist. I love reading YA and I have to say that Graceling was so fantastic. It's one of my favorite books ever. Thank you so much for writing it.

I'm such an introvert that even commenting on a blog feels stressful to me. I know the blogosphere is supposed to be all about conversations, but I like to think of it as a party I can watch without having to do the small talk. But for you, and because I'd be curious, too if I were the party host, and mostly because I love the Princess Bride...

Hi, I'm Wendy. I found your blog through Amazon, liked your blog enough that I bought your book (first time that's ever happened to me) and loved the book. I also live in Florida, am a single mom, make my living from playing with other people's words (although they are always on boring subjects like XML and CSS), and my favorite pirate is Tetra, also known as Zelda. I live with a boy, a dog, a frog, a bird, three hermit crabs, and the occasional lizard.

hi! i've commented before. =) i'm a sahm of two little ones. i wrote my first novel because they were driving me loopy--and i needed something to call my own. it sold and is coming out summer 09. YA fantasy in an ancient china-like kingdom. =)

now i'm writing a sequel and feel like a hack most days, but am abiding by my mantra : i am allowed to write utter poo.

i live in san diego, cali and also do chinese brush art!

i have to wonder if there's anything more terrifying then writing a contracted sequel? ARGH!!

Your blog post comes at an opportune time because I just (like yesterday) blogged about how much I loved GRACELING. I live in Northern California, I'm a writer, and my first YA novel, ASH, will be coming out from Little, Brown in late 2009. It's a retelling of Cinderella, with a lesbian twist. If you're interested in reading what I had to say about GRACELING, stop by my blog (www.malindalo.com). Meanwhile, I can't wait to read FIRE.

Oh, and my favorite book ... well it alternates between A RING OF ENDLESS LIGHT by Madeleine L'Engle and THE BLUE SWORD by Robin McKinley.

I live in the nyc area and I'm 24. I graduated a couple years ago and I'm working in advertising however my real passion is books and writing. I realized at one point that I had so many literary crushes and books I obsessed about that I needed to just start writing my own so I could have all the control (muahaha). No waiting a year for great books! I loved Graceling though b/c it reminded me of Tamora Pierce's Tortall...I've read her Lioness Quartet hundreds of times I'm sure every since I was in middle school. My finds of the year: Twilight series, the hunger games, graceling. I have a thing for YA fantasy.

My name is Alice, I live in Sarasota, and I'm still searching for a kitchen timer that will beep intermittently when it's done, so I won't want to rip my hair out (or trip over things in my fast dash to turn it off). Cell phone alarms aren't really the best substitute.

Hello! I'm Alissa. No one ever pronounces it correctly for some reason, so I answer to all sorts of things. The best being Phyllis. (seriously, how do they get that?) Anyway, I have not yet read your book, but intend to purchase it this weekend! I think I was on Amazon or some other website about books and happened across yours. It sounds interesting, and as I am currently obsessed with and attempting to write my own YA novels, I thought I'd take a peek at yours. I googled you, read your blog (you sound so much like me), and I decided that since you sound so fabulous (thick with sarcasm, because I certainly dont think of myself as fabulous) I would write you back! So, as you have probably gathered, I am very sarcastic, but in a witty sort of way, I think. I don't have much of a filter between my brain and mouth, so I pretty much say what I am thinking most of the time. Others don't always respond well to that. I am pretty private and enjoy solitude far too much for my husband's liking. I love to read, read, read and read some more. I love to write every chance I get, however I am finding it hard to stay motivated lately. I love music and often get distracted by my iTunes addiction when in front of my home computer. I am 29, married, living in the mountains of NC, and my children are my pets. I work for an insurance company which I find dreadfully boring, especially today. I also love The Princess Bride and Johnny Depp! Yummy! I am sure there is a lot that I am forgetting, because I have a horrible memory that leads to millions of little sticky notes about. That also has forced me to keep a notebook and pen with me at all times so that if inspiration hits me (which it often does while I am driving...), I have to be able to write it down. Hmm...that's about all for now, I guess. I think that probably plenty.

Nyoob zoo! (means hello in hmong) I'm Kouly form Minnesota! I'm a senior in high school. This is my first time posting a comment although I've subscribed for a while...anywho I can't wait for Fire to come out! I was wondering, is that picture of Graceling another book cover? It looks really cool!

I'm a 28 year old mother of 2 sweet sweet kids. i love reading and read 4-6 novels a week as well as 3-12 comic books a week. I've read "Graceling" a few times already. For two reasons, 1. I LOVED it, I loved the characters and their world and was very drawn into the whole story. And my second reason was at the end of the book I was left feeling like I got screwed out of an ending. I thought there must be a sequel, so i quickly looked up your site and was very disappointed to see that the sequel takes place so many years into the future, but I'm still hopeful that you'll resolve the story, it just won't happen for the characters as soon (in their time) as I'd like.My favorite food is sandwiches. ; P

I'm the third Sarah to comment on this post so far, which I think merits me some kind of award. Or at least a Photoshopped cover of The Mystery of the Third Lucretia. I haven't thought seriously about changing my name since my first semester of college, but it's starting to look tempting again.

I love my job in the book business because of all the ARCs I get (including Graceling, which I got when it was closer to bound ms than finished ARC, which makes me feel like such an insider). I'd love it even more, though, if it were located in Boston, preferrably within walking distance of the Public Garden.

I have chosen to remain anonymous, but for all intents and purposes, my name is Sycamore. I'm a sophomore at Carbon High School in Price, Utah, a tiny, sleepy little town. I'm an avid reader -- even a bibliophile -- and I would love to be a writer someday. Fantasy's my favorite genre, although I also enjoy historical ficiton and some adventure stories.

Drawing is a favorite hobby of mine. I also adore music. I play the flute in my high school band and I also play the piano, guitar, and (sort of) the mandolin.

Traveling is my life. My family and I have driven from one end of the continent to the other for three summers in a row. My favorite place in the world, aside from my extended family's houses, is the Pacific Northwest. I love the rain and the fog and the redwood trees and the ocean and, especially, Astoria, Oregon.

My favorite color is green. My three favorite people in the world are my dad, my sister, and my mom. I used to have an amazing dog, but he died last summer. Sniff.

Hello ^_^ Well for staters i live in Minnesota. Im a female teenager at highschool grade level, and I want to become a photojournalist on war and poverty. I love learning about history and being able to photograph it would mean the most to me. In my spare time i love to read, go to concerts, take pictures, listen to music, and much more. I listen to hard rock, metal, and classic rock music. The past year i was able to see Marilyn Manson preform twice! Hell Yeah, lol! Through out the past year i've gone to 5 concerts which totals 14 different bands. The genre of books that i read the most are fantasy, historical fiction & nonfiction, and paranormal romance(both adult and ya). Umm what else.. my favorite color is black, and my dad is the most important person in the world to me. I quess just short of telling you my life story that is about it; well really that barely skims the surface of who i am but it will have to do. For now anyways.

Hi... my name is Lori, and I'm a bookseller in the San Francisco Bay Area. I started reading your blog because I read Graceling and loveloveloved it, as do several of my coworkers, and we plan to sell gazillions of it during the holidays.

And yes, though I do admit to seriously loving me some Johhny Dep, the Dread Pirate Roberts is my favorite pirate also.

hi, I am Nicole and am a junior in high school. I live in Washington, DC with my parents and two (wonderful)sisters. I love reading, cross country running, art, and would love to be an art teacher one day, after lots of travel of course!Rings are my favorite accessory and after reading Graceling it is my goal to successfully wear 19 of them at one time :]. PS I loved Graceling and cannot wait for Fire!

I'm Courtney, from the SF bay area in CA, but currently attending Univ. of Washington, Seattle. My new favorite place is the Children's Literature section in Suzzallo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzzallo_Library).

I have vowed to write a book someday, if I die in the attempt. Authors like you are what keep me going.

OMG, I am BURSTING WITH JOY at all these wonderful comments. Thank you so much, everyone!

I think I also need an appointed day off. And a purring kitten. And I need a mantra about how I'm allowed to write utter poo. I also need a kitchen timer that doesn't make me crazy! Yes, my icon today is the UK / Australia / New Zealand cover to my book, published by Gollancz. And I once had a job in walking distance of the Public Gardens in Boston, and it was awesome! (Not the job, it was boring. Just the fact that it was where it was.) :o)

I love hearing about your jobs and the things you'd rather be doing and the books you're reading and the food you're eating and the books you've written or want to write and the traveling you do and the things you want to be when you grow up and your favorite pirates and your objections to Westley's priorities and your favorite books and colors and foods!

Seriously, everyone, I have not had the best day, and your comments have cheered me up. Thank you. :o)

(And Wendy, I'm also an introvert, so an extra thanks for commenting today to you and all introverts!)

O_O Uh Oh! I have come back to post again because i've realised that we have all been talking about what we like to do and enjoy instead of who we are which would be things like loyal and friendly. Lol. I guess if you still want to know 'who' we are then you'll have to re-ask us that question.

Hey Kristin! My name's Gretchen and I'm from Utah. I love reading above all else in this world, although writing is up there, too. I believe in the High Fidelity principle of "It's not who you are, it's what you like." So, a few faves. The Princess Bride is my all-time #1 favorite movie, so I love that you quoted it. My favorite book is Little Women and Noah and the Whale is my current favorite band. Freaks & Geeks is the greatest tv show ever and if I could, I would eat only dark chocolate.Oh, and my word verification is "Squilly," which strikes me as being very funny.There you have it!

Well, I guess I'm a little late for the original influx of posts, but such is the nature of school hours! =) This isn't my first post - I'm the same Regina from November 4th, and I'm proud to say my state went democratic! Yay for NM! I live in the mountainous desert (central NM - yes we are part of the USA!), and the leaves are just beginning to fall, though hopefully some snow will come around this year so the snowboarding will be good! As with most everyone here, I love (LOVE) to read and I have actually picked up some new titles for 2009 from these posts. New book discoveries are The Wheel of Time series, Finding Nouf (so good), and, of course, Graceling. Katsa is such an awesome character! One of many favorite authors is Tamora Pierce -I can't wait for Bloodhound in April! And that's about all. Oh, and I hate school dances. And I'm freaking out about my homework and how fast time is flying by (only a month left in the semester?)! Agh! Okay, that's all I have to say about that. Really, this time. =)

Warning: This post is super long. I went overboard; I'm sorry. Just read the first sentences of the paragraphs until you get to the bit about the actors, then check out the bolded things, then read all of the last huge chunk of text, if you want a more concise version of me.

I'm a sophomore in high school. All these older people reading YA make me feel better, but it makes me wonder how books get categorized. Anyway, my favorite authors are Tamora Pierce (a few people have already mentioned her here) and Diana Wynne Jones. You're well on your way into that group, as Graceling is now one of my favorite books and I think you're pretty cool yourself (your blog posts are always fun to read)! As soon as your next book comes out, you'll probably have made it. Hahaha. ☺

I also like to read graphic novels/manga. I also like anime, the animated equivalent. I just spent about $70 on some manga yesterday... It's hard on your pocket if you like a lot of series and want to own stuff legally.

I also looove dressing up! I went as a boy to school today. Short wig, binding, some baggy clothes. It was fun. That kinda stuff makes my day interesting.

Oh no, I was wondering where to start for this post, but now I've started, I can't stop. I just feel like a few little sentences can't fully describe me.

I love to dance. I quit dance team recently, which is what I've been doing for about four years, because it was consuming my life in a non-good way. I'm looking for a studio now.

I play the oboe. I have to play clarinet for pep band at school sporting events, but it's kind of a nuisance as I like playing the oboe far better. I like to play video game music on the piano, but I only know one song - a Tetris theme (Tetris is my favorite game). I used to know how to play most of the Super Mario Bros. overworld theme but I've basically forgotten it.

Hmm... I always wear mismatching socks, unless I'm in some kind of special outfit.

I am an actress! I've been in a few school productions. I've only gotten bit parts, but I'm taking classes and working my way up.

Speaking of acting, you mentioned Johnny Depp. He's one of my favorite actors, along with Neil Patrick Harris. They're both fantastic.

Oh, and again speaking of acting, MUSICALS! I love them! I haven't seen many, but my favorites are:Into the Woods - A fractured fairy tale plus awesome songs, what more could you want?My Fair Lady - I thought the movie was just okay, but a performance of it at my brother's old high school was just so fantastic; I fell in love. The Producers - Such silly fun! In the newer movie, at least. The older one is good and deserves some merit, though. I haven't seen a live performance of it.Rent - Awesome songs. Haven't seen the movie, but I saw it on Broadway, and oh my goodness I had never seen such awesome dancing before.Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog - I'm a huge fan of Joss Whedon's works (Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Serenity). This was written by him and his family. And it was what made me absolutely love Neil Patrick Harris.

I like lots of different music - obviously songs from musicals, but also the stuff I play in band, movie soundtracks, TV show theme songs, video game music (that I attempt on the piano), and stuff from four specific musical artists/groups: Green Day, Project, Mika, and L'Arc~en~Ciel.

Ahh, I'm running out of steam with this.

I live in the Pacific Northwest. I want to learn how to sew. Cats are my favorite animal (hence choosing the cat's pajamas option in the poll). I lived in Israel for three years.I know Hebrew. I'm Jewish. I don't know what I want to do when I grow up. My room is a mess. I play with ribbon to keep from biting my nails and picking at the skin around it. I've gone on way too long.

I'm a fellow Eph! I graduated from Williams in 2000 and have been meaning to email ever since I learned about your book and that you were also a Williams grad (but I'm sometimes shy)! I adored Graceling (and am sharing it with my mom and sister this weekend - they're very excited to read it). I'm also a YA author -- my debut book, The Forest of Hands and Teeth comes out in March from Delacorte. Oh, and I now live in Charlotte, NC and just quit my job to write full time (insert happy dance here :)

Hi! My name is Brittany, I'm just a young writer in Florida in school and I really don't do anything else other then read, write and school. I've ordered all my friends that when they finish what they are reading to read Graceling cause I just can't keep it to myself.

I'm Emily. I'm from Austin, where we loooooooove Graceling! I'm also a YA writer, but with more aspirations than successes at the mo. My "pet books" right now (I work at a bookstore that you definitely want to stop by!) are Bliss by Lauren Myracle, How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier, Violet on the Runway by Melissa Walker, and GRACELING! I'm reading Octavian Nothing by MT Anderson right now and it's breaking my heart. And I would eat ice cream three meals a day if it weren't such a health risk :(

I've wanted to read Graceling since I first read about it on another blog, but because my shelves are already double-stacked, I've had to limit my book purchases to paperbacks, which can fit into the cracks. So I'm enjoying your blog instead, skipping all possible spoilers (thanks for posting warnings) until I can borrow your book from my friend.

I'm 31 and live on the Maryland side of DC. I happily spend my commuting hours reading. I read mostly YA and fantasy with frequent forays into historical fiction. Robin McKinley is my favorite author. Markus Zusak comes in a close second.

One summer, my sister and brother and I watched The Princess Bride every day.

I'm late, but I've had this window open to comment since yesterday, so that counts, right?

I'm Melissa and I review/blog at http://www.kidliterate.com. (You won't find a review of GRACELING there, since I wasn't reviewing regularly until after I read it, but I do mention it somewhere as one of my favorite fall books along with THE HUNGER GAMES, CHALICE and IGNATIUS MACFARLAND, FREQUENAUT).

Hi! I'm Steph, I'm a writer (my first YA fantasy trilogy is going to be published starting 2010), I live in Yorkshire, England, I'm massively sleep-deprived right now (new baby), and I absolutely agree with you on Best Pirate Ever.

Hello! I'm from Auckland, New Zealand! I'm 18 and will finish high school soon (just had 2 exams today). I found out about Graceling while looking for books to read on amazon.com. I love Graceling!!! I can't wait for Bitterblue!!! or Fire!! You've become one of my favourite authors, my others are Juliet Marillier, Stephenie Meyer, Donna Jo Napoli, Bill Bryson, and I just finished the Study books by Maria V. Snyder. :D

Hi hi! I'm Claire, living/writing/studying in Dublin, Ireland. The wisdom of the internet suggests that your book is fabulous so I'm hoping to read it when UK edition comes out (Amazon has owned my soul for the past number of years, but since I have far too many books to read I'm trying to cut back on my click-and-buy book-accumulating these days). I love your thoughts on writing, education, and Princess-Bride-appreciation. :)

um hi, im madi. i live in new buffalo, mi. i go to school (although today it's closed YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS)but i am also a book addict (i get in trouble for reading), writer of many things, and a chick drummer. i have a blog (thoughts of a chick drummer) and hope to someday work in music. my toes are ugly (whos aren't ?) and i should take better care of my crazy curly hair. last thing: i think polos are the most boring shirt in the world (weird school dress code. polos certain colored pants, no individuality whatsoever)fantasy books are the best, but sci fi comes in a close second.

I have so many favorites that I don't know where to start. You are my favorite asparagus-on-wheels painter, easily. I have a bird named Beaker, so out of loyalty, Beaker should be my favorite Muppet. My favorite color is the coppery color of some autumn leaves I saw while I was walking the dog recently. My other favorite things include kids, pets, plants, tea, classical music, other kinds of music, my kids and husband playing music, cheesecake, baklava, and I would probably like baklava cheesecake.

Oh, yay, I'm so glad people are still commenting! And from so many places -- even England (hope you get some sleep! and congrats on book AND baby), New Zealand, Ireland -- someday I will get some energy and travel to all of these places! NZ and Ireland have always been at the top of my list. (I've already visited England, or it would be, too.)

Ah, Little Women, falling leaves, the West Wing, and Octavian Nothing. So many good things. I'm having another low day, and you're all comforting me.

Charly, I'm a Nathan Fillion fan myself -- I ♥ Mal -- and my favorite part of Dr. Horrible is when Captain Hammer explains what his hammer really is... ;)

Love this idea, Kristin! I'm Avis, I've been lurking on this blog for some time now. I actually have no idea how I came across your blog in the first place. And I must admit I'm not a big reader of either YA or fantasy, but I love the way you write here! (This translates into, nope I haven't read Graceling yet, but I'd like to eventually.)

I'm a Montrealer, a translator by trade as well as a book blogger by passion. A few of my favourite things are: sleep. I can't think of anything else right now. Insomnia moment (it's waaaaay past my bedtime).

New to the blog but I just read Graceling and absolutely LOVED it. The name's Jackie. I'm currently pursuing teaching abroad and would like to get into a new career that gives me a creative outlet and a constant learning environment (for future goals). :)

Sorry to bother you about this but it has been on my mind for some time and no one seems to have an awnser, so I thought I would go directly to the source. I recently read your novel, Graceling, and as a brown and curly-haired teen with a growing intrest in archery and swordplay, I have come to relate to Kasta, but there is one place where I am confused, if Kasta is as brave as her actions betray her to be, then how is she not able to overcome her greatest fear, marrige?(That was the spoiler,ha!too late now!) Sorry again to bother you, I look forward to reading your other books in the future.

Charly: You are NOT commenting too much! Your original comment, with its "reader's guide" at the beginning, cracked me up -- and everything that followed (yes, I did read every word) was marvelous! :o)

Avis, yay! (That was a Canada yay. I ♥ Canada.) Thanks for writing in, and hope you got some sleep!

Jackie, thanks! And good for you, teaching abroad!

(SPOILERS AHEAD!)

Graceanne, you ask a really interesting question, and I can promise you that you are not the first person who's commented on that issue. I really liked the way you phrased it, and for the first time, I'm compelled to give some sort of response. Truth is, I am unwilling to talk about this much, simply because the book needs to speak for itself, if you know what I mean. I don't want to be an author standing outside the book explaining things about the book; my job is to write the book, and then let you interpret it however you want. What I might do at some point is invite my readers to discuss this issue with each other, here on my blog. I will give you this one thing to think about (and this is all I am going to say): Might there be a difference between being scared of something and knowing something isn't for you? And mightn't the world contain a gazillion different good ways for people to love each other? Okay, I"ve already said too much, so there I stop!

Thank you for asking a really great question, Graceanne. I really do think that someday I may invite all of my readers to discuss this here -- and I'll stay out of it. :o)

Hi, I'm Karli, but you can call me Lynx (if only because it's the name that stuck with me since eighth grade...) I just turned 17 and got your book for my birthday. I did more than devour it, I swallowed it whole, taking huge gulps of water to make the pages go down faster. The trouble was the cover got stuck for a little while and I coughed and hacked. I tried tellimg my mother I had to stay home after I swallowed the first cover, but she didn't believe me. (I took your book to lunch).

So I've probably already filled my socially acceptable allotted amount of things to say about me, but I shall continue anyway. I love Tamora Peirce books, and I don't necessary aspire to write, but I will tell stories when I grow up. (if I ever do...)

Hi Kristin, I'm Jo. I was given your book to review for an Australian website and I really enjoyed it. When I get the review written, and if it gets published, I'll send you a link because it's going to be a good review.

I'm Victoria or Dash. I reside in Florida's Capitol, but I'm originally from Pensacola; so when you mentioned the Blue Angels you made my day. Though I hate Florida.

I have a massive obsession with British actors, and everytime I fall in love with another actor I do some digging and they're British as well.

I plan on living in England one day, because I have always felt that London was where I belonged in this world. Which makes the comment above all that much sweeter.

I'm currently finishing up my bachelors degree in Classical Civilizations. I like to study human behavior, and I do this through studying ancient societies and their impact on us. You'd be surprised by how much we are, and how bloody unoriginal we are. I also do this through one other mean, but I won't mention that one.

I always believed I was supposed to be a writer, though all my stories refuse to leave my head. I think that they want to be parted from me as much as I want to be from them. However, I realised recently I was never supposed to write the stories; it was a fascade I had created for my true life, and this epiphany has led me to finally follow my dreams....

...I move to Vancouver in a year and half to start acting training. I don't think I could possibly be happier.

Oh, and I heard about Graceling before it was released. Tamora Pierce very venhemently told me I had to read it. So I stalked my local bookstore till it appeared, and made all the employees grab a copy and read it.

p.s.- To those of you who have mentioned Nathan Fillion. I love that man to effing pieces and I had the chance to meet him recently and he was AMAZING!

This is my first comment. I'm a future children's librarian (I'm going to start at Simmons in 2009) and if I could justify the expense I'd be getting a dual degree in Children's Literature for the sheer love of it.

I've read Graceling and I loved it. One of the best books I've read this year (and that's saying something since I've been reading through the Newbury Medalists and some children's classics).

I'm excited at the prospect of a sequel because I enjoyed Katsa and Po and would like to spend some more time with them, but I'm a little nervous too.

I'm 39 years old and the mother of two (not exactly your target audience)and I live in the Boston area where it has been in the frigid 20s all week. I could use a little Florida right now.

Hi, i'm StaceyI'm a 27 yr old book seller (i'm also incharge of setting up our store's author signings, so if you're planning on doing anything for Fire in northern IL, i'd LOVE to host you!!!) at a Barnes and Noble in northern IL. i read your book because my store manager said that it was supose to be something that Twilight fans would like and i've been into Teen Fantacy lately. I LOVED the book (i've also gotten some of my fellow Twilight Moms to read it and they have all enjoyed it as well)! I recomend it all the time to pepople who are looking for something new to read. i do have to say that i have a bit of a Po crush currently hehe. But i do have to say that i was super excited when i found your blog! I enjoy finding writers at the start before they hit it big, I enjoy getting to know the person and not the hype so its fun reading your blog and getting see your thoughts and feelings on things.

I think I'm the only person from Australia so far, yay for me i feel special! Anyways just wanted to say your book got me through my 2nd year uni exams [studying mathematics, physics, finance and accounting (i'm kinda smart) hoping to get into the field of astrophysics, or accounting. yes i know im weird!], every night after exams id let myself read so that i could relaxed and forget about the day and the exams i had to come. It really helped me keep my head on straight.

Cant wait till your next book comes out. Bit disappointed Bitterblue is set so many years forward but ya get that still cant wait. Hope there is lots about Po he was my fav.

My favourite author would have to David Eddings, Terry Pratchett, or Matthew Reilly (go Aussie). But i promise if you write lots more books ill include you! ;-)

Hi, My name is Hillary and I love to read, it is my favorite thing in the world to do :) I just finished reading Graceling about 2 hours ago and I am so sad that Im finished because now I miss Katsa, Po, and Bitterblue :( But I am so excited to read that you have more books coming out (even though it is a long way away) I always keep track of my favorite authors so that I know exactly when something new comes out and you've just become one of my favorites!! Oh yeah I also live in Florida (yay warm weather) and I am working towards my degree in Library Science so that I can be surrounded by books for the rest of my life!

Thanks everybody for commenting! And yAt!, comments from Australia! (And some FL neighbors, too!) Lynx, well, I just hope it didn't leave you with terrible indigestion... ;) Sara, hope you like Simmons -- I loved it. Good luck to everyone on exams or with work or whatever you're doing -- sounds like everyone's got a pretty full plate!

I'm Alice. I'm a teen living in MI. I love to read and write and listen to music, and hang out with my crazy bookworm friends. I LOVE YOUR BOOK *insert fangirl squeal*. I also like tea, popcorn and Monty Python sketches. I want to be an author or journalist when I'm older.

I just finished Graceling and was desperately searching for more to read. Turning the book back and forth. Reading the front flyleaf, the acknowledgments, and finally the bio. It was the bio that lead me to your blog.

One of my favorite favorites, is reading a really great book; the kind you can't set down. It takes me awhile to recover from those sorts of books...after I've rushed through them, barely sleeping or taking the time to eat between chapters. In the end I go through a mourning period, feeling sad for the loss of the characters I'd grown found of.

so, I think I'm the only person from Austria (yes, Austria, not Australia, no kangaroos in Austria ^^) so far although I have to admit that I've not read all the other person's stories.

Right now I'm taking a break from studying Italian and so I thought I could look for some news on you blog.By the way I read Graceling last weekend within 25 hours (almost non-stop)... well, I could not stop reading! It's such a gread story!

Hey Kristen! My name is Lola and I'm from Ontario, Canada. I read your book a while ago and then had the urge to read it again and when I finished I REALLY wanted to see if you were working on a sequel yet and then I found this site! (I am so glad to hear there are other books on the way!!!:)Anyways, I'm in grade eleven, I read a LOT, love books, though I'm very particular about the ones I pick...but I fall in love with the ones I do so I must pick good I guess. (I LOVED your book of course)I day dream a lot and got to the point where it all became a mess of different little plays going on in my head that I had to start writing them down, so now I write, but mostly just for my own entertainment. I suppose I could try and publish something someday...Right now I am bombarded by school and homework so I find little time for else which sucks because my characters get shoved into the background and I have to apolagize (both to myself and them)later:PI also love music and drawing and playing the guitar so really I guess I'm just the creative type...My fav authors are you, (no surprise there) Stephenie meyer, except for the fourth book in the series, cassandra clare, Tamora pierce, Barb Hendee, Christopher paolini (Sort of I guess,) and Trudi Canavan. My fav artist is Albrecht Durer or Van Eyck and my favourite band of all times is the English band Muse.That all for now I guess!!:P

Stefanie, I'm thrilled to be hearing from Austria! And slightly embarrassed, because I can only assume that you know what Po's name means in German. ^_^ The German edition will have a different name. I'm thrilled to hear from you -- thanks for writing! Oh, and by the way, I drove from Germany to Italy through Austria when I was very young -- maybe 11 or 12? -- and oh my, the landscape is still with me 20 years later. What a GORGEOUS home you have! All the Alpine views were worth the nausea of driving on tiny, windy roads...

Hi Lola, thanks for writing in from Ontario! (I'm a big fan of Toronto myself -- my aunt lived there for years, and my Dad got his Ph.D. at McMaster in Hamilton, actually.) Sounds like you've got a lot going on ^_^. Stay warm!

Hi Kristin, My name is Brianne and I just finished The Graceling exactly 1.5 minutes ago. I'm currently a graduate student at Marquette University and am in the middle of a thousand research papers, projects and exams. Just when my brain was about to spontaneously implode from the onslaught of information, I dragged myself to the bookstore to buy a much needed non-grad school book. I can't tell you how cathartic it has been to read something fun for the last few days...such a good story and the perfect antedote to "end of semester-itis,"

I'm a librarian in Maryland. I just read your book and LOVED it. I also went to Simmons. When I read your bio, I wondered if we were there at the same time. Can't wait to read your next book and I'm recommending Graceling to every person I know! ~MaryAnne

Hello! I'm LaWanica and I'm an Art Director by day and first-time children's book writer by nights and weekends here in Minneapolis, MN. Living the dream. I just finished Graceling this morning at the wee hour of 3 a.m. I had hoped to save the final chapters for a more suitable time and place where sunlight would be present at the very least but insomnia and Po's baffling behavior thought otherwise. I loved, loved, loved your book. I see others loved, loved, loved it as well. I wish you the best of luck in the many books to come and hope you remain this open and available to your fans.

I'm Laura. I'm a YA and Children's Librarian in Boston. I compulsively read review and author blogs, and since Graceling is one of my very favorites from 2008 I'm definitely going to stick around here.

Hi Kristin,I loved Graceling! I couldn't put it down while I was reading it and after I finished, I started telling everyone around me to read it. And now I'm addicted to your blog because your second book is such a long ways away from being on my bookshelf!

I'm currently in the throes of deciding whether to MA or MFA at Simmons (I read on your blog how much you loved the Simmons MA program and that's the one I'm starting to lean towards) although the dual degree option is mighty tempting too. I can't make up my mind (though that is the case with a lot of things).

A tidbit about me:One of my favorite memories is being outside with my friends during a lightning storm --one of the most beautiful and fantastic things I've ever seen although probably not the brightest thing I've done, especially when the lightning was striking the ground only several feet away from us.

Because I love The Princess Bride as a book, I had trouble learning to love the movie, but now I do (as its own separate kind of thing). And while Dane Cook says that all men want to be part of a heist, my husband says that all men want to be able to go up to someone with sword in hand and say "my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

Hi, my name is Jeanne, I've lived various places in the south and eastern US and now live farther north than I ever have before, in Ohio, where it is currently flurrying (they do have 10 different names for snow here). I read a lot, teach part-time and do administrative work part-time at two different colleges, have teenage children who also read a lot, play the violin, live with cats, drink tea, adore having second breakfast, love Graceling, and always eventually run out of patience with trying to describe myself briefly.

Hi. I'm Marcy. This is actually my first time on your blog. I work at a used bookstore that also carries new books, and I'd been eyeing yours for a while. Finally I looked at it a little closer yesterday... and then started reading it... and then bought it, even though I'm insanely poor (but hey, it gave me a Christmas present idea, so aside from the immense pleasure it's giving me, it has been Productive, right?)... which means that now, since I'm at work, I can't keep reading it, having taken it home with me last night. Very sad. So on a break, I wandered off to your blog. I like it thus far. I will probably be linking to it on my own and pointing out certain posts I've enjoyed to my family. Like the one with pictures of your poor longhand manuscript...

Tidbit about me (why do you care, again? ah well...): I just finished the rough draft of a novel, and despite the fact that it's frighteningly bad (being a rough draft, and all), I'm letting my husband read it today because it's his birthday and he seemed to want to read it. He might be doing so as I type. Aaaah.

Hi Janice! Welcome. Re Simmons, I'll just say that even doing the MA program I had opportunities to take some creative writing classes -- and my final class was a creative writing independent study. And there's no question that the critical study of literature -- and all that critical writing -- helped me with my creative writing. I expect both programs would be wonderful, though, so you probably can't go wrong. And as far as memories go -- my parents just moved out of the house I grew up in, and this will be my first Christmas going "home" to a place other than the place I've always called "home." So I've been having a lot of memories of "home." Sad, but sweet. :o)

Hi Jeanne, I loved your description, and it sounds like we have a lot of the same tastes -- cats, tea, books, second breakfasts. I grew up in PA so I know what you mean by cold --keep drinking the tea! And thanks for writing in.

Marcy, I laughed when I read about your husband reading your ms. I completely understand. That feeling never goes away, btw. My sister is reading Part I of my third book right now -- actually, it's only my third contracted book, it's the 5th book I've ever given her to read -- and I feel exactly the same (frightened and slightly ill) way! Hope he turns out to be a constructive critical reader for you. And if he doesn't, find someone who will! In my experience, you need a person who will be honest but respectful and gentle, and not every reader is the right match! okay, enough lecturing from me.... ^_^ And good luck!

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." I love Princess Bride! Hi Kristin! I loved Graceling too! Katsa and Po's relationship really drew me in and Bitterblue's personality is intriguing. I'm eager to hear more from all of them. Your description of the action was very well written. My brother and I have characters that we've been writing stories for since birth it seems. Nothing is published yet, but here's hoping! I understand your issues with writing Bitterblue. We can see in our minds the world we've created and it just doesn't all fit on paper :)BTW I'm 30, married with two children, born and raised in PA. I love sci-fi and fantasy books/movies. Don't stress, inspiration comes not only when you least expect it but when it's most inconvenient :-)

Hi! I'm Sally and I'm a little late to the party, but I had to comment because I had a wonderful cat (Egyptian Mau) named The Dread Pirate Roberts. He was my favorite Pirate; we called him Dready.

I'm currently reading Impossible by Nancy Werlin and Naomi Novik's Temeraire series. My favorite way to read is all in one sitting, but I never have time to do it, sadly. I remember when I was about 5, I used to wake up to find my dad reading in his chair; he'd been there all night. But 2 kids and a full-time job keep me from trying it!

Hi Kristin! Thank you for the "lecture." =) I've finished your book now (well, a few days ago now, I guess) and I loved it. It's wonderful. I'm going to give it to my little sister for Christmas.

As for my husband reading my ms., it went well. We pretty much agree that he's not my ideal reader, since we don't read the same kinds of books, but that means his feedback will probably always be a little different than the rest of my friends and family, so I guess that's good. He wouldn't let me stay negative, and he had some good insights. It was encouraging enough that I let a couple other people read it who had been continually asking, "so when can we read it?" Which means that my brother (well, one of them -- I have many) now says I'm an insane genius. Insane because I thought it was bad. Hmm. All of a sudden I'm not so sure about his taste anymore. =) Nice to hear, anyway! I have plenty of stuff to work on and fix before I really *need* the more honest criticism, anyway.

And since I didn't really introduce myself before, just said I work at a used bookstore and I finished a first draft, here are a couple other things about me: I'm 26, I'm the next-to-youngest in a very very large family, I'm from the Los Angeles area (and although I love green and countryside and am not fond of cities, especially desert cities, I also get rather defensive when people say Southern California doesn't have weather or seasons -- they're just different than the rest of the country, that doesn't mean they don't exist, any observant native ought to be able to figure that out), and books are my first love and my greatest addiction. I also love languages and linguistics and enjoy singing, running, games, and tea. A few favorite authors, off the top of my head, are Tolkien, Tad Williams, Robin McKinley, Clare B. Dunkle (not well known, but her Hollow Kingdom trilogy is beautiful), Shannon Hale, Guy Gavriel Kay, Lois McMaster Bujold, Juliet Marrillier... well, I guess I'll stop there for now. A few favorite shows include Babylon 5, Buffy, Firefly, and Battlestar Galactica. Hmm. I think that is all.

"I am afraid this is becoming a dreadful bore, and going on too long, at any rate longer than 'this contemptible person before you' merits. But it is difficult to stop once roused on such an absorbing topic to oneself as oneself." -Tolkien, from a letter

Hi, I'm Megan and I just read Graceling...hmmm...two days after Christmas, when I got it, and immediately fell in love with it and can't wait to read more of your work. Just so you know, I only look online for stuff about books I've read when I really really really loved the book. I'm 17 and reading is my favorite hobby, followed by swimming, running, and painting (not necessarily in that order, except that reading is a runaway first). Like you, I am a fan of Tamora Pierce, but I am also a fan of Stephenie Meyer and Christopher Paolini, as well as Ted Dekker, whose name I think most people outside my church bookstore will not recognize. Great stuff, though. Incredible action. By the way, I post my name as Mimi Cullen-O'Shea because my uncle's family calls me Mimi, a nickname I'm very fond of, and I love (in a pathetic, wow-I-can't-believe-I-have-a-crush-on-fictional-characters way) Edward Cullen and Ian O'Shea, Stephenie Meyer's world-renowned characters.

hi. let's say i'm frank pinky, the freaky valentine heart found at my school in the nurse'ss office... i enjoy mexican mangoes who beat the crap out of ornery onions. (comic) i also enjoy passing notes in chineese class while other ppl watch sock puppets scare the life out of guys named xu xian who look like girls. we have a sad class

Hello! I'm Dina in Nashville,TN. I came to your blog as a link from you Nanowrimo pep talk. It must have worked because I won! *grin* Your pep talk was so splendid that I am looking forward to reading your books. I really like your blog. You answer the question to blog or not to blog as a definite oh yes blog away. (except you've got me looking for hardback exspensive notebooks from Spain when I've been making do with 39 cent composition books...lol) If I find any I will let you know. :)

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"If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it."

-Toni Morrison

Jane, Unlimited is my fourth release, a kaleidoscopic novel about grief, adventure, storytelling, and finding yourself in a world of seemingly infinite choices. It's also about umbrellas and umbrella-making :o). It comes out on September 19, 2017. I hope to have more stuff up about it soon, including reviews and foreign release info! For now --
Jane has lived an ordinary life, raised by her aunt Magnolia—an adjunct professor and deep sea photographer. Jane counted on Magnolia to make the world feel expansive and to turn life into an adventure. But Aunt Magnolia was lost a few months ago in Antarctica on one of her expeditions. Now, with no direction, a year out of high school, and obsessed with making umbrellas that look like her own dreams (but mostly just mourning her aunt), she is easily swept away by Kiran Thrash—a glamorous, capricious acquaintan…

So, I went to a lovely performance of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake by the Russian National Ballet Theatre this weekend. (In case you don't know the story: the Evil Dude Rotbart has turned a bunch of Lovely Girls into swans. One night Prince Siegfried goes hunting with his buddies, sees the swans, falls for the Most Beautiful Swan, and professes his undying love. His promise of eternal love breaks Evil Dude Rotbart's spell and the Most Beautiful Swan and her friends are free to be girls again. But shortly thereafter in a moment of male forgetfulness Prince Siegfried swears his love to Random Girl [who, in his defense, does look an awful lot like the Most Beautiful Swan]. M.B. Swan's heart is broken and Evil Dude Rotbart's spell descends back upon her. Then the Prince realizes what he's done! He fights Evil Dude Rotbart! He wins, killing E.D. Rotbart and freeing M.B. Swan forever! They all live happily ever after!)

First disclaimer: I was not sexually assaulted by a priest. That is not the story I'm about to tell.

Second: If you were raised Catholic and your experience was not like mine, I am relieved for you and glad. I respect your different story. I only ask that you respect my story, realize that I am not an isolated example, and believe me.

I grew up in Pennsylvania. My kindergarten, my grade school, my high school, and the high school to which most of my friends matriculated are all represented on that list of predator priests. The bishop who confirmed me, James Timlin of the Diocese of Scranton, a man I …

Kristin Cashore wrote the New York Times bestsellers Graceling, Fire, Bitterblue, and Jane, Unlimited. Graceling is the winner of the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature and Fire is the winner of the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award. The books are world travelers, currently scheduled to be published in thirty-four languages.

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"Then, at last, sitting on her stretcher-bed, she took from the very bottom of her pack an old peacock-blue scarf folded around a heavy, square book. She unwrapped it and opened it very carefully, as if guilty secrets might fall from between its pages like pressed flowers. This was Harry's secret. She was a writer."

-from The Tricksters, by Margaret Mahy

Writing is my secret. Every day I unwrap and open it as carefully as I can. Welcome to my blog about writing and life! Above you'll find quick links about me and my books, and below is more about me, ways to subscribe, and an archive of past posts. Click here to go home to my most recent posts.

Finally, a note: This blog is my only online presence. I am not on Facebook, Google+, or any other social media sites, and I use Twitter mainly as an amalgamation feed for my blog. Sorry, but I do not read @-replies on Twitter!